The Best Gifts to Give in 2017

We are all constantly looking for the best gifts to give our significant others, family and friends. The ultimate goal of giving is to bring joy, so why is it so stressful trying to think of the perfect gift each year? Is it the fact that as we get older the years fly by? Or perhaps, by sheer accumulation of things, it is harder to make each gift stand apart? A few years ago it hit me. It is precisely because life is so short and so busy that the key to joy is moments, not products. Precious moments warm the soul for as long as we can remember them, while products typically have a short shelf life. So, during the holiday season, I like to give the gift of experiences. Within this post, I have provided a wide range of experiences as gift ideas.  

Bought Experiences

There are so many things I love to do but limit myself on like attending concerts and sporting events. It is for these reasons a gift card to Ticketmaster or StubHub feels very meaningful to me. It is not just another gift card, it is the gift of seeing a bucket-list band or a win for the record books. I especially like it if the person giving the gift is committing to join me for the live event or giving the gift in a dollar amount that permits me to bring my husband or a best buddy. 

There are so many things I'd love to do in life but I am too practical to try by myself or buy for myself. This would be experiences like taking a cooking class or registering for music lessons. It could be pursuing other passions or hobbies like season tickets to the ballet, becoming an annual member of the local art museum or joining a beer of the month club. Often times, I wouldn't pay for tours in my own city. That said it would be a hoot to do a foodie tour with friends, take a limo to a concert, or do a candlelight ghost tour. These are all things I'd do on vacation so why not bring some of that fun closer to home for a loved one.

Gifts from the Heart
 

I'm calling homemade gifts, and gifts of skill, gifts from the heart. Wow, there is so much potential here. Sure it takes a bit of thought, effort, and resourcefulness, but gifts from this vein can really soar. A few ideas that really sparkle are thoughtful party gifts. Picture a dinner party with favorite friends, food and fun! Take it up a notch by making it a murder mystery, bourbon tasting, wine tasting, house concert or game night. 

When thinking about other great gifts from the heart, it helps to think on unique skills. I love to cook so one year I had my girlfriends over for brunch and gave them all a handmade recipe book with all my favorite recipes. I also love to thrift shop so I've given handwritten gift certificates for thrift store shopping sprees. I've been the recipient of many great gifts of friend skills over the years, yard work, a commitment to help on my next home project, even extended snow blower use. I send wishes to the universe daily that some handyman will give me the gift of being on call around my house!

Sometimes it is hard to think of earth-shattering skills, don't over think it. If my husband rubs my back for even 15 minutes, that is a major gift! Breakfast in bed, the gift of doing chores, or running errands, yes, these can be both affordable and meaningful when presented to the right person.

Travel Plans
 

As a Sagittarius, I am filled with constant wanderlust! So, a trip is the ultimate of dreamy gifts in my world. Now, I wouldn't turn it down, but it doesn't have to be a trip to Spain. A road trip, a staycation, cabin weekend, camp trip, or girlfriend getaway will suffice.

A well planned weekend trip can be a real treat. Remember the devil is in the details, so be sure to research lodging, restaurants and things to do. Remember to read reviews and consider ways to enhance the experience from learning some destination facts, creating a special playlist, call ahead surprises, or plan fun pit stops. I've given or received the gift of ski weekends, food and wine trips, and luxurious bed and breakfast experiences. There has not been a stinker yet, they have all been moments to be treasured!

Volunteer Experiences

Sometimes the best gift is a gift that makes the most impact. The gift of charity is a feel- good warm fuzzy for almost all involved. There are so many charities that need extra help around the holidays, local food banks, shelters, toys for tots, or groups providing winter clothing to the homeless. For the real spirit of the season seek out charities that provide hands-on volunteering and register the whole family or a large friend group! For some this may not feel like a gift at first, I guarantee they will be thankful once all is said and done! 

Not only can new adventures be a blast, but building memories together strengthens relationships and creates deeper bonds. Now that is a gift worth giving! Need help arranging the perfect experience, contact me, I'm sure I have just the right thing! Wishing all happy holidays and many merry moments!